Accelerating Innovation in Mobility

As the mobility landscape evolves, agencies are navigating technology innovations that can help deliver safe, efficient and resilient transportation systems to meet the needs of their local communities.  Sherry Kish, advanced mobility advisor at HNTB, helps clients navigate this complexity. By connecting policy agendas, technical requirements and community priorities, she collaborates with agencies in making informed decisions, building adaptable frameworks and positioning themselves to lead in the next era of transportation.

As advanced mobility advisor, how do you work with agencies to navigate a rapidly changing mobility landscape? 

My focus is always on helping clients navigate complexity with confidence. That means facilitating conversations, connecting stakeholders and providing the research they need to make informed decisions. We stay ahead of the curve by tracking technologies on the horizon, understanding vendor roadmaps and building relationships that give agencies early insight into developments before they’re widely known.

When we work with clients, their goals and vision become ours—we’re invested in their success. Every connection we make and every piece of insight we deliver is about helping agencies move forward efficiently and effectively. That includes connecting clients with one another because transportation technology doesn’t stop at jurisdictional borders. By sharing lessons learned across states, cities and counties, agencies can accelerate adoption and ensure solutions work seamlessly across boundaries.

How do you approach aligning innovation and technology enhancements with policy goals and community priorities?

Transportation solutions work best when they’re built through collaboration, not in silos.

By bringing together technical experts and those who understand policy and advancements across government, law and emerging technology, we can bridge conversations between technical experts, policymakers and residents. When we convene various groups—engineers, lawyers, industry specialists, community representatives—ideas can become solutions. This approach helps agencies achieve results that are legally sound, technically feasible and aligned with community values.

We are in the midst of a shift that is changing not just how people travel, but how they think about mobility.

– Sherry Kish
Advanced Mobility Advisor

What steps can agencies take today to prepare for future technologies like advanced air mobility? 

Preparation isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about policies, funding strategies and public engagement all moving in step. It's important to identify where new technologies will intersect with existing systems—physically, operationally and legally. For advanced air mobility, that may mean updating zoning codes, understanding airspace management and upgrading infrastructure for power and communication.

The most successful agencies are treating advanced air mobility as part of a larger system, not as a standalone technology. Getting ahead means building a framework today that can flex as the technology evolves tomorrow.

How should agencies approach data governance to balance privacy and value? 

The goal is using the right data to make better decisions for residents. Agencies should consider beginning with a mission-driven inventory—identifying what information is truly needed—and then design privacy into the system from the start. Good data governance is about quality, security and clarity: knowing who owns the data, how it will be shared and how long it will be kept. Make sure the right people have access to the right data at the right time—and only when they need it. Done well, this balance reduces risk, protects privacy and gives agencies the insight they need to allocate resources more effectively. 

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of mobility? 

Advanced air mobility, hands down. The idea of moving people and goods faster, more efficiently and in ways that bypass traditional constraints is incredibly exciting. Whether it’s air taxis for commuters or drones delivering medical supplies to rural hospitals, these technologies have the potential to transform how we connect communities. We are in the midst of a shift that is changing not just how people travel, but how they think about mobility. For me, the most rewarding part is helping agencies integrate these new modes safely and seamlessly—so they’re not only ready when it comes but positioned to lead. 

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